Short Sighted Cinema CIC is now welcoming submissions for our 10th annual film festival, THE SHORTEST NIGHTS.

As a BIFA qualifying festival we pride ourselves on curating exciting, entertaining and high-quality programmes celebrating the best in BRITISH SHORT FILM.

Films for this collection must have been created within the last 2 years by filmmakers living, working or studying in the UK, inclusive of British Filmmakers working overseas.

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THE FESTIVAL:

“If it’s film that floats your boat, take up Short Sighted Cinema’s invitation to watch all their short films in one go…. bliss.” – Time Out

“The eagle-eyed curators who run things are known for spotting the best new short films around. ” – Londonist

Awards & Prizes

ALL selected films will automatically become part of THE SHORTEST NIGHTS season, which will premiere at THE SHORTEST NIGHTS festival.

Screenings could then could go on to include digital events, community cinemas, summer festivals and cross-arts collaborations. Films have previously screened at Wilderness Festival, Shambala, In The Woods, Leeds Film City, Margate Film Festival and more.

Selected films and those that are shortlisted will also be considered for future Short Sighted Cinema events online and around the UK.

Rules & Terms

- ONLY UK FILMS ARE ELIGIBLE. Films must be made within the last 2 years from filmmakers working, studying or living in the UK.

- Films should be under 25 minutes in length, but can be of any style, genre or theme. We’d also like to encourage family-friendly films.

- Should your film be selected, you give us permission to screen your film at The Shortest Nights 2024 and any subsequent tour or screening over the next 12 months. We will always let you know in advance about additional screenings.

- Filmmakers must obtain necessary licenses & clearances for their films, Short Sighted Cinema WILL NOT hold any responsibility for copyright infringement.

- Submitting a film gives us permission to use publicity stills provided and up to 30 seconds of footage for use in The Shortest Nights' marketing and publicity.

- Films that do not fall within our criteria WILL NOT be watched. Please state clearly the UK connection if you are submitting from abroad (email to info@shortsightedcinema.com).

- We do not offer waivers. However, new for 2024, returning filmmakers can now email us at info@shortsightedcinema.com to obtain a discount code.

- Films must be complete at the time of submission.
50 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
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  • Olivia Pastor

    The shortest Nights was such a fun festival and the people who run it are so lovely and supportive! We really hope we can submit again soon.

    January 2024
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  • Remi R.M. Moses

    Such a wholesome vibe and energy to this festival. Gem curates an incredible selection of films and facilitates a friendly atmosphere, making it a pleasant day out. Overall just a beautiful festival to be involved in.

    November 2023
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  • Emily Carlton

    Such a lovely, friendly festival. I met new people and saw a fantastic selection of shorts. Highly recommend this festival, thanks for having us! Marnie & the team

    September 2023
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  • Tia Salisbury

    Such a warm welcome from Gem and the team when we attended a packed screening. Thrilled to have our short show in a line-up of killer shorts and meet the other directors. Well attended and great communication at this buzzing festival. Cheers!

    September 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Aw, thank you so much : )

  • Charley Packham

    Lovely festival, amazing communication and went above and beyond to support us as filmmakers too. Huge thanks to Gem, Marta and the rest of The Shortest Nights team!

    September 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much! : )